Pictured left to right: Ashley Hedlund, Megan Johnsrud, Vickie Ellefson, Heidi Jacobson, Alicia Brateng, and Jennifer Johnson. Not available for photo: Kinley Gullikson, Lila Mathieu, Teresa Johnson, Jackie Gonzales, Linzie Sele, Jessica Ball
June 24, 2025 – Advance Thief River is pleased to announce the award of funding to twelve Thief River Falls childcare providers. Awards were presented to Early Explorer Childcare (Linzie Sele), Jessica Ball Daycare, Heidi’s Child Care (Heidi Jacobson), Jackie’s Gems Child Care (Jackie Gonzales), Jennifer Johnson, Kinley Sue Gullikson Childcare, Little Munchkins Daycare (Alicia Brateng), Mathieu’s Daycare (Lila Mathieu), Megan’s Minnies Daycare (Megan Johnsrud), Teresa’s Tinytots (Teresa Johnson), Tiny Tots Daycare (Vickie Ellefson), and Wild Wonders Childcare (Ashley Hedlund).
The purpose of these awards is to support childcare providers in addressing key needs related to facility improvements, licensing requirements, and quality enhancements. The eligible expenses included facility enhancements directly related to childcare (such as flooring, egress windows, or fencing), toys and equipment, non-consumable items, and other items needed to attain or retain licensing.
These awards were made possible by the Advance Thief River Childcare Fund, established in the fall of 2024. The need for the fund was identified by the local childcare collaborative, which has been meeting for more than three years. The fund aims to reverse the decline in the number of licensed childcare providers.
“Adequate childcare capacity directly impacts our economic strength in several ways,” said Michelle Landsverk, Advance Thief River Executive Director. “Employers thrive because they are able to fill open positions. Families thrive because they are able to fully engage in the workforce, and children thrive thanks to high-quality early childhood education that prepares them for success in school and in life.”
This was the second round of funding awarded by Advance Thief River to the area’s family child care providers. A total of $25,030 has been awarded, helping to retain 234 child care spots and adding an additional 12 spots. A third round of funding is anticipated in November of 2025 and early educators are encouraged to watch the Advance Thief River website and the ATR Childcare Collaborative Facebook page for funding announcements.
Individuals, businesses, or organizations who wish to donate to the Advance Thief River Childcare Fund may do so by making an online donation on the Northwest Minnesota Foundation website or by writing a check. For more information, please contact Michelle Landsverk, Executive Director of Advance Thief River.
These awards were provided by the Advance Thief River Childcare Fund, thanks to the generosity of the Dondelinger Foundation, Hartz Foundation, Thief River Falls Rotary, Digikey, Arctic Cat and others.
